Ear Candy

by Phil Denson

Are you a music lover? Do you like hearing "new" music? Are you tired of setting your watch by the predictability of your local radio station's playlist?

If you've answered yes to any of the above, read on.

Ear Candy will be spotlighting and reviewing musicians, newcomers or established, that for one reason or another do not receive the recognition and the airplay they deserve (can you say cash, looks and corporate greed?). Artists that may be left of center when it comes to popularity contest and fashion awards. However, musicians reviewed here will have one thing in common with their mega hit, corporate backed superstars, the relentless desire to write, perform and record meaningful music that they hope the world can one day enjoy. That day is today.

Ask yourself this; do you really want to read another review on Van Halen? Or worse yet, the Backstreet Boys? I didn't think so. As the old saying goes, "music doesn't die or fade away, it's just not played." OK, it's not an old saying, I just made it up, but it sounds cool and more important, it's true. Until next time enjoy the "ear" candy. -Phil

Artist - The Apples (In Stereo)

Title - Her Wallpaper Reverie

Label - Elephant 6/spinART/1999

Her Wallpaper Reverie is the fourth release from this Denver Colorado based band. The Apples (In Stereo), a lo-fi indie band, has made a reputation for themselves writing, playing and recording in the basements of their homes. Influenced by bands such as the Beatles, Badfinger and the Zombies, The Apples have been able to form a large fan base over the last five years. Afficionados of sixties pop/rock have been impressed with The Apples, uncanny ability to whip out a tight song with sweet harmonies. The songs on Her Wallpaper Reverie are no exception. Unfortunately for the casual listener, we have a tale of two records.

Tale One. Moving forward artistically, The Apples have opted for a more psychedelic record. On the first track, The Shiney Sea, they use an array of background effects. With an absolutely beautiful rhythm guitar strumming throughout the entire song, a solo that sounds like it came right off some long lost Beatles recording, TSS is The Apples at their best. Stawberryfire starts up where The Shiney Sea left off. Pulling out all the tricks in the bag, The Apples dig in and never let up. Stawberryfire gives you a rich, detailed, Lennon-esque song full of heavy drums, piano and harmony. Receiving air-play on alternative and underground stations across the country, Strawberryfire is an instant classic. The Apples continue down the right road with the catchy, pop-infested track, Ruby. Going for a more classic sixties sound, Ruby infuses piano, what sounds like a kazoo and some of the sweetest harmonies this side of Surf City, into a song that would chart in the Top Ten if it were yesteryear. Other songs on the album, such as Questions And Answers and Benefits Of Lying (With Your Friend) are pure magic.

In a perfect world I'd end this review with a 5 out of 5 rating and you'd all run down to your local CD shop to order a copy of Her Wallpaper ReverieÉah yes, tale two.

The last couple of years, lo-fi bands have been experimenting with sound. On Her Wallpaper Reverie, The Apples decide to follow this trend. With no vocals, what incurs are imploding songs of madness, tearing at the seams between pop transcendence and noise radicalism. Although some may find these bits of noise, "art," I find them nothing more than a nuisance to the ears and as I listen to the album catch myself continuously skipping over these self-indulgent tracks. That being said, I still think Her Wallpaper Reverie, "noise" aside, is an excellent record.

If you are interested in lo-fi and/or indie (independent) rock, The Apples (In Stereo) would be a great place to start. I would recommend listening to their third release first, Tone Soul Evolution (1997). Its much more user friendly, which should provide some tolerant level for the "noise" factor on Her Wallpaper Reverie.

The Apples could easily go main stream, sign a big record deal and start pushing for the almighty dollar. After four albums it's apparent that they would rather have fun, doing what they do best, paying tribute to their heroes by writing well crafted sixties pop songs.

Rating - 3 out of 5

Artist - Tal Bachman

Title - Self titled (Tal Bachman)

Label - Columbia/1999

Tal Bachman, if the name sounds familiar, it should. Tal is the son of Canadian rock icon Randy Bachman. Need another hint? How about, the Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO). Yeah, that Bachman. That being said, this is no Guess Who record. Tal (Talmage, being his correct name) at thirty years of age has done something most rock stars children are unable to do; make an album that reflects his own personal taste and not his father's. Fortunately for Tal, it works.

The album starts off with Darker Side Of Blue and after just one listen you realize his unbelievable range and his ability to use it. Strong lyrics along with a catchy chorus make DSOB an instant sing-along. Slipping so effortlessly into She"s So High, Tal goes for the pop jugular. She's So High is the first single release from the album, now playing on radio stations, SSH has climbed the pop/rock charts all over the world and is Tal's first "officiar' hit. Pop is this song's middle name and although it is a great song, it is not really indicative of the entire album. For instance, If You Sleep shows a softer side, with a bittersweet story of the reality of losing a loved one. You Don't Know What It's Like drops into a psychedelic experiment from the seventies with dead on guitars and special effects. I Wonder is a tour de force extravaganza chock full of sweet riffs, licks and solos, emotionally hitting on all cylinders. This is power pop at its best. Beside You is reminiscent of the mighty Beatles, with a soft, haunting echo of LennonMcCartney and track 9, Romanticide, uses harmonies in the fashion of an old ELO tune. The over the top, piano laden You're My Everything is a love song the way love songs were meant to be wrote and sung.

Tal Bachman, a rich, lush record that seems more similar to the classic rock and power pop of the '70s than today's current sounds, is a first time listen hit. Highly recommended. This is ear candy at its best.

Rating - 4 out of 5